Forget the 5 stars and other palaces, the trend today is unusual. What could be better, then, than spending the night in a prison transformed into a hotel? Here are a few not to be missed on a weekend in Europe.
Effect Prison Break ? In recent years, treehouses or yurts have given way to another category of quirky accommodation: the old prison. For some, “hotels-prisons”, as they are called, are multiplying across the world and attracting more and more followers in search of an experience that is both authentic and frightening. The creation of hotels in remand centers also has notable advantages. Foremost among which is the location: all these old prisons were indeed built in the heart of cities. Zoom in on five of these establishments like no other.
Langholmen Hotel (Stockholm, Sweden)
Located in the heart of the Swedish capital, the small island of Langholem has housed a prison for nearly 250 years. Closed in 1975, the prison was rehabilitated a few years ago to be transformed into a real hotel. The strong point of the place is undoubtedly the green spaces present on the island. An oasis of greenery for a bucolic atmosphere that we owe to the prisoners, who planted no less than 3,000 trees during their years of imprisonment. Finally, the hotel immediately reassures its customers: they can keep the key to their cell during their stay! From 90 euros per night in a double room.
Langholmen Hotel, Långholmsmuren 20, 117 33 Stockholm, Sweden. Tel .: +46 8 720 85 00.
The Arrest House (Roermond, Pays-Bas)
Episcopal palace from the 17th to the end of the 18th century, the Het Arresthuis has had several lives. Military hospital, courthouse, it was finally transformed into a house of arrest, then into a state prison in 1863. A penitentiary which in particular accommodated, from 2002 to 2007, smugglers and drug traffickers, also called ” body packers ”. Built from 2009 on the former site of the detention center, the luxury hotel Het Arresthuis was officially inaugurated in 2011. Far from the living conditions of the time, people come here today. to relax in a chic and cozy atmosphere. And not to forget the history of the place, a guided tour is also possible before leaving. From 145 euros per night in a double room.
The Arresthuis Hotel, Pollartstraat 7, 6041 GC Roermond, Pays-Bas. Phone: +31 475 870 870.
Malmaison (Oxford, England)
The Malmaison hotel group has taken the gamble of installing one of its hotels in an unusual location: the former HM Oxford prison. Located in the medieval castle of the city, the establishment is in the block “Aile A”, built in 1850. The prison, it closed its doors in 1996 and all its inmates were transferred to prisons located in the country. The building was then renovated in the early 2000s and the Malmaison Oxford Hotel was inaugurated in 2004. The old cells were transformed into bedrooms and the prison governors’ residences into suites. For a much more luxurious atmosphere. While obviously keeping some very visible memories of the jail: the thick walls and brick vaults, the barred windows or the heavy doors. From 150 euros per night in a double room.
Malmaison Oxford, Oxford Castle, 3 New Road, Oxford, OX1 1AY, United Kingdom. Tel .: +44 1865 689944.
Hotel Katajanokka (Helsinki, Finland)
The Katajanokka was installed in the historic premises of the former Helsinki County Jail. Built between 1837 and 1888, the different parts of the building housed the prison, but also a pre-trial detention center. Before the complex closed its doors in 2002. After extensive renovation work, the boutique hotel of the same name was inaugurated in 2007. Eager to pass on the past of the place, the hotel brings some important dates to its visitors, from the explosion of an aerial bomb in 1944 – which will allow five prisoners to escape – to the 1970s, which will see the chains disappear and other disciplinary sanctions removed. From 139 euros per night in a double room.
Hotel Katajanokka, Merikasarminkatu 1a, 00160 Helsinki, Finland. Winter: +358 9 686450.
Imprisoned sleepin (Horsens, Denmark)
It was in 2006 that the last prisoner left the old penitentiary in Horsens, Denmark. Only six years later, in 2012, the “FÆNGSLET” project (“Prison”, in French) was unveiled. More than a simple hotel, the former prison now hosts many other places of interest: the prison museum, the city’s tourist information center, a shared workspace as well as professional events and concerts. . Travelers will probably not come here for the chic of the establishment – the cells remain small and lacking any real decor – but rather for the atmosphere and the abundant cultural life that surrounds it! From 77 euros per night in a double room.
Sleepin Prison, Fussingsvej 8, 8700 Horsens, Denmark. Tel .: +45 88 77 04 40.
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